Corps loyalty

by Kristin Kray

If you read Andy's column yesterday, you know that us DCI.org columnists have been exchanging e-mails, drinking coffee and discussing books. Well maybe not drinking coffee and discussing books, that would be too much like Oprah. But we discussed a lot about life before, during and after corps. We also exchanged ideas about what things may interest you as our loyal readers.

Kristin Kray

One idea that struck me as a performer and as a fan was Andy's note about member loyalty to the corps they are marching. I am truly guilty of this. There were times when I thought coming back to Pioneer was a bad thing, but on the other hand, I knew that by coming back to Pioneer I was making the organization that much better by having returning members and leadership.
I recently spent a lot of time thinking about different corps to audition for. I also spent some time talking to Adam Hill (former member and current snare instructor for Pioneer) about what to do. He was supportive and gave me some really good advice. He said, "Do what you feel you need to do. No one can tell you where to march. It's a personal choice. But don't forget where you started, about the skills you've learned, or about your brothers and sisters. You will always have a spot here." I have taken Adam's advice to heart and all I can say is THANKS ADAM!
There are times in which you don't want to participate in the corps you are in. But there are other times in which you simply can't think of switching. My advice: Be comfortable with whoever you decide to march with and keep an open mind. If you have a closed mind, it will turn your experience with that particular corps a sour one.
Transpose archivesKristin Kray is an 18-year-old freshman at the University of South Florida in Tampa, majoring in special education. She marched soprano for Pioneer in 2001-2002, and hopes to march trumpet for Carolina Crown next summer.